The HMA is located approximately 55 miles west-southwest of Ely, Nevada.The herd area is bounded on the north, west, and south by the Battle MountainBLM District boundary which is effectively delineated by either fences ormountainous areas. The east boundary is the east bench of the south PancakeRange and the Duckwater Indian Reservation (Railroad Valley). The HMAencompasses 386,776 acres (386,696 Federal acres and 80 acres of privateland), all within the Ely District.

Wild horses in the Sand Springs East HMA possess a variety of colors althoughthere is a preponderance of brown, bay, and sorrel horses. Other colorspresentwithin the HMA are red and blue roan, black, pinto, and sevina. The horsesexhibitgenerally good conformation and good size. It is known that these horses aredescendants of ranch stock and horses that belonged to miners in the area, thatwere released and became wild. They are probably descended from Quarterhorse, Thoroughbred, Morgan and other draft breeds, based on the history of thearea.

Elevations range from about 6,000 feet in the valleys, to 9,240 feet in thePortugueseMountains in the southeast portion of the HMA. The climate of the area is aridtosemiarid. Temperatures range from summer maximums as high as 100 degrees F.to winter lows falling well below zero. The growing season is between 90 and120days. Prevailing winds are from the south-southwest in the summer and from thenorthin the winter. Annual average precipitation varies from 20 inches in higherelevationsto 6 inches in the valley bottoms.

The herd area supports a variety of wildlife. This region provides limitedsummer and winter habitat for mule deer. There are an estimated 100-150pronghorn antelope found yearlong in Little Smoky and Big Sand SpringsValleys. Bald eagles and sage grouse can also be found throughout the herdarea.Small riparian areas are scattered throughout the area around the springs,seeps,and small creeks. Amphibians, reptiles, mammals, rodents, raptors, andpasserine bird species common to the Great Basin can be found in the area.

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